The Hillingdon Council meeting on 26 February 2026 saw the Council consider and vote on the borough's budget for 2026-27, which includes a 4.99% increase in Council Tax. Councillors also confirmed an Article 4 Direction to remove permitted development rights for the conversion of homes into small Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and adopted the Safer Hillingdon Partnership Community Safety Strategy for 2026-2029.

Budget Approved with Council Tax Increase

The Council considered the General Fund Revenue Budget, Housing Revenue Account, and Capital Programme for 2026-27, which includes a 4.99% increase in Council Tax. This brings the Band D Council Tax to £1,534.95, with the total Band D Council Tax, including the Greater London Authority precept, set at £2,045.46. The budget also incorporates the use of £62 million in Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) to balance the 2026-27 budget. Significant investments are planned for housing, with £136 million allocated, and £42.6 million for other services.

The decision followed a lengthy debate where the Labour group formally objected to the Cabinet's budget recommendations. Their objection centred on concerns about the deliverability of the proposed savings programme, the governance and control environment, and the transparency of financial systems. They argued that the budget relied heavily on unevidenced assumptions and that the Council's financial systems had not delivered the necessary transparency or grip.

Conservative councillors defended the budget, highlighting its robustness and realism, with costed savings proposals and existing spend controls. They criticised the Labour group for not presenting alternative proposals and for their perceived lack of understanding of the financial realities facing local government. The objection was ultimately lost by 24 votes to 13.

Article 4 Direction Confirmed to Control HMO Conversions

The Council confirmed a borough-wide immediate Article 4 Direction, removing permitted development rights for the conversion of homes into small HMOs for up to six residents. This decision, following a public consultation with no formal objections received, aims to give the Council greater control over future HMO conversions, protect residential areas, and provide certainty to communities. Councillor Steve Tuckwell, who moved the recommendation, stated that the Conservative administration would continue to take necessary decisions to protect Hillingdon's neighbourhoods.

New Community Safety Strategy Adopted

The Safer Hillingdon Partnerships Community Safety Strategy for 2026-2029 was adopted as a policy framework document. Councillor Wayne Bridges, Cabinet Member for Residents' Services, moved the recommendation, highlighting that the strategy was shaped by strong evidence, resident feedback, and partnership working. The strategy addresses concerns raised by residents during consultations, including those around anti-social behaviour, women's safety, police visibility, and CCTV coverage. It identifies four priority areas: safer neighbourhoods, violence against women and girls, serious violence, and preventing harm and safeguarding communities.

Members' Allowances Frozen

In a report from the Head of Democratic Services, Councillor Ian Edwards, Leader of the Council, moved and Councillor Jonathan Bianco seconded the recommendation to freeze members' allowances for the upcoming year. This decision was made in recognition of the financial pressures faced by residents. The report also detailed changes to committee memberships following the resignation of a councillor.

Six-Month Performance Report Noted

The six-month performance report for 2025/26 was noted by the Council. Councillor Edwards, moving the report, highlighted its role in demonstrating the effectiveness and efficiency of the Council, pointing out that Hillingdon remained among the lowest spending authorities per head of population. The report detailed performance across various directorates, including Adult Social Care and Health, Residents' Services, Children's Services, and Finance, with a focus on value for money and service quality.

Other Business

The Council agreed the minutes of the previous meeting held on 22 January 2026 and noted that there were no declarations of interest. The Mayor, Councillor Reeta Chamdal, made several announcements, including welcoming journalism students from Brunel University and reflecting on her term as Mayor, which was nearing its end. She also thanked volunteers and highlighted upcoming fundraising events.

The meeting concluded with the Mayor thanking everyone for their contributions and wishing them well for the future.